Hello, darling readers! Emma here, back from another incredible time-travelling adventure, and as always, brimming with stories from the world of ballet. This time, we ventured all the way back to May 1859!
I knew I was in for a treat as soon as I hopped onto Magic Meg's sparkling back. She's a magnificent sight, this pink-shimmering Shire horse with golden hooves and a mane and tail like spun moonlight. Honestly, it’s a wonder I don’t get stopped by every admiring eye we pass! But back to the journey...
We arrived in a bustling London, filled with carriages, cobblestone streets, and the scent of pipe smoke. But my focus was entirely on ballet, my loves! And boy, were there some fantastic shows on the cards this month!
The Royal Italian Opera in Covent Garden was presenting La Traviata, a beautifully tragic opera by Verdi. I couldn't resist getting swept up in the romantic, theatrical air, especially after spotting a shimmering, cerulean-blue tulle skirt adorning the female lead - a truly captivating spectacle! I managed to sneak a little peek backstage after the performance. I’m already picturing a tulle dress of my own in that beautiful blue - it'd look perfect on stage!
Moving on from opera, the Royal Academy of Music had the honour of showcasing the young and gifted Carl Rosa, a rising star in the ballet world. This young, brilliant dancer was showcasing his skills in Le Lac des Fées, a show packed with magical elements and graceful movements. I watched in awe - the young Rosa really was something special!
Now, no visit to 19th-century London is complete without a trip to Her Majesty’s Theatre. And what a treat awaited me! I was privileged enough to see the famed Carlotta Grisi perform in “La Fille du Régiment” alongside the handsome and talented dancer Jules Perrot. Carlotta was radiant in a crisp, white, traditional tutu, making those powerful jumps and captivating arabesques look effortless. The whole experience was quite captivating!
It wasn’t all just fancy shows and elaborate productions, though. The biggest surprise of the month came during a trip to a bustling market in Kensington. You see, it’s not all tutus and pirouettes in this historical ballet journey. Often, the biggest moments happen unexpectedly. In a hidden corner of the market, tucked between a flower vendor and a man selling shoes, I stumbled upon a delightful little ballet class. The instructor, a lovely woman with kind eyes, was teaching a group of girls aged six and seven some basic steps.
"So, tell me about ballet." I approached the woman tentatively. She greeted me warmly, offering me a sip of her tea, and then shared stories of her life, filled with passionate discussions about technique, posture, and the transformative power of dance. This beautiful passion for ballet, shining through the simplicity of this small class, truly touched me.
As my time in 1859 came to a close, I couldn’t resist packing a few treasures in my leather rucksack for my collection. A program from the Royal Italian Opera featuring La Traviata, a beautiful silk scarf in a deep blue similar to that shimmering tulle, and a faded photo of the young Carl Rosa that had somehow fallen out of a woman's purse in the market. Oh, and let's not forget a miniature white tutu, painstakingly crafted from lace and thread, left behind by one of the little ballet girls from the Kensington market.
Back home in Derbyshire, the world of ballet continues to whirl, a joyous, swirling tapestry. My little studio is overflowing with tutus of all colours (with a special love for the pink ones, of course!), and I’m already dreaming up new pink tutus that capture the spirit of the 19th century. There's something quite wonderful about combining history with the artistry of ballet fashion!
Join me again next month for another adventure in the wonderful, captivating world of ballet time travel! Until then, happy pirouettes and happy travels, my lovely readers! Don't forget, pink tutus for everyone!
